Rutgers
Rutgers has very high expectations after last season's second place finish in the NCAA tournament. Last year's overall record of 27-9 (12-4 Big East) put Rutgers in a tie for second place in the Big East with Marquette, and they went on to win the Big East tournament, defeating Connecticut in the championship game.,”The Contenders
Rutgers
Rutgers has very high expectations after last season's runner-up finish in the NCAA tournament. Last year's overall record of 27-9 (12-4 Big East) put Rutgers in a tie for second place in the Big East with Marquette, and the team went on to win the Big East tournament, defeating Connecticut in the championship game. Rutgers is slotted third in this year's ESPN/USA Today's Coaches Poll and the Associated Press Poll. The Scarlet Knights are led by Essence Carson, a unanimous selection to the Preseason All-Big East Team, as well as the two-time defending Big East Defensive Player of the Year.
West Virginia
The Mountaineers are led by a trio of seniors in LaQuita Owens, Olayinka Sanni and Chakhia Cole. Those three combined last season for 39.4 points a game, with Sanni leading the way at 14 ppg. The trio led the Mountaineers to an 11-5 conference record, good for fourth place in the Big East. With all five starters returning, West Virginia will be a formidable opponent for anyone in the conference.
Potentials
South Florida
The Bulls posted a 21-12 overall record last season and finished middle of the pack in the Big East with a 9-7 record. South Florida will miss Jessica Dickson's 19.2 ppg, but Shantia Grace will look to pick up the slack after averaging 15.2 ppg last year. The Bulls leading rebounder (8.2 rpg) is also gone as Nalini Miller graduated along with Dickson, but Brittany Denson transferred to South Florida midway through last season and gives the Bulls much-needed size, standing 6-foot-3 inches tall.
Pretenders
Seton Hall
Finished last season 19-12 (9-7 Big East) and have several returning contributors. They are missing Monique Blake, who averaged 10.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game last season, but look for junior Noteisha Womack to take a step forward after averaging nearly eight points and seven rebounds per game last season. Leading scorer Ela Mukosiej returns, but expect another mediocre season for the Pirates.
St. John's
The Red Storm return their top three scorers from a year ago in Monique McLean, Kia Wright, and Tiina Sten, who led the team to an 8-20 overall record (4-12 Big East). Size will be key for this team as they post six players that stand at least six feet tall. The Red Storm could scare some teams because of their experience. They return all five starters from last year.
Punching Bags
Villanova
Finished last in the conference last year with a 2-14 record in the Big East, going 8-21 overall. This year's prospects do not look much better as they are missing last year's leading scorer and leading rebounder in Jackie Adamshick (13.1 ppg, 8 rpg)JB.
Providence
Chelsea Marandola will lead the way again for the Friars after averaging 17.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Providence went 13-16 (3-13 Big East) last season, finishing second-to-last in the conference. Keep an eye on Catherine Bove, who is an overall threat. She averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in her sophomore season.
Syracuse
Size may be an issue this season as the Orange have eight players listed at 5-foot-9 or shorter. After finishing last season with a 9-20 overall record (3-13 Big East), Syracuse will returns its top three scorers from a year ago, but they must shoot the ball better as a team after shooting a dismal 37 percent from the field.
Three Must See Games
Rutgers vs. Connecticut — February 5th
The Big East regular season crown will be on the line as the only two teams to receive a first-place vote in the preseason Big East Coaches' poll collide. Connecticut has the better team, but the game being in New Jersey makes the upset a distinct possibility.
Louisville vs. Connecticut – January 12th
Preseason player of the year Angel McCoughtry of Louisville will be put to the test against the Huskies. Player of the year may very well be on the line in this game as Connecticut's Renee Montgomery will be looking to outshine McCoughtry.
Marquette at Notre Dame – February 13th
An old rivalry is rekindled as Notre Dame looks to avenge last season's 71-62 loss. Notre Dame will look to slow down Krystal Ellis and the run-and-gun Golden Eagles with its superior size on the inside, and if this game weren't on the road it would be a certain upset special. Even so, keep an eye out for the Golden Eagles in this game.
Freshmen to Watch
Maya Moore – Connecticut
Consensus national high school player of the year last season after winning the Naismith Award for the second consecutive season, becoming only the second player to win the award twice. Moore will be starting for a team many consider to be the best in the conference, and with great teammates comes great success.
Angel Robinson – Marquette
Robinson was named 2007 Minnesota Miss Basketball, averaging 16.3 points, 5.3 assists and 4.9 steals a game her senior season. Robinson will start at point guard for a Golden Eagles offense that is expected to run as much as possible. The fast pace should present Robinson plenty of scoring opportunities, as well as the chance to lead her team in assists
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